The first Muslims were the early followers of Islam during the time of the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) in the early 7th century in Mecca. After Muhammad received his first revelation from Allah through the angel Jibril (Gabriel) in the cave of Hira in 610 CE, he began to share the message of Islam. His earliest followers came from among his family and close companions.
1. Khadijah bint Khuwaylid #
- First Muslim: The first person to accept Islam was Muhammad’s wife, Khadijah. She was a wealthy and respected merchant who supported Muhammad spiritually and financially. Khadijah’s unwavering faith and belief in Muhammad’s prophethood played a crucial role in the early development of Islam.
2. Ali ibn Abi Talib #
- First Male Muslim: The first male to accept Islam was Ali ibn Abi Talib, Muhammad’s young cousin. He was about ten years old at the time and grew up in the household of Muhammad and Khadijah. Ali later became a significant figure in Islam, particularly in Shia tradition, where he is regarded as the first Imam.
3. Abu Bakr al-Siddiq #
- First Adult Male Muslim: Abu Bakr, a close friend of Muhammad, was the first adult male outside of Muhammad’s family to convert to Islam. He was a wealthy merchant known for his honesty and wisdom. Abu Bakr would later become the first Caliph (successor) of the Muslim community after Muhammad’s death, playing a pivotal role in the expansion of Islam.
4. Zayd ibn Harithah #
- First Freed Slave to Convert: Zayd, a freed slave who was very close to Muhammad and considered part of his family, was also among the first to embrace Islam. His loyalty to Muhammad and his early acceptance of Islam demonstrate the diverse backgrounds of the early Muslims.
5. Other Early Muslims #
- Several other early converts to Islam were from among Muhammad’s close friends and family. These included:
- Uthman ibn Affan: A wealthy and respected member of the Quraysh tribe, who would later become the third Caliph of the Muslim community.
- Sa’d ibn Abi Waqqas: A cousin of Muhammad and one of the ten companions promised Paradise.
- Fatimah bint Muhammad: The youngest daughter of Muhammad and Khadijah, Fatimah played a significant role in the early Muslim community and is highly revered in both Sunni and Shia Islam.
6. Early Converts Beyond Mecca #
- As Muhammad began to preach Islam more openly, many others in Mecca and beyond converted. This included people from various social and economic backgrounds, including slaves, merchants, and tribal leaders. Despite facing persecution from the Quraysh, the early Muslim community continued to grow steadily.
Summary #
The first Muslims were close family members and companions of the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), with Khadijah being the first to accept Islam. Others, such as Ali ibn Abi Talib, Abu Bakr al-Siddiq, and Zayd ibn Harithah, soon followed, forming the foundation of the early Muslim community. These early converts came from diverse backgrounds, reflecting the inclusive nature of Islam from its very beginning.
